City of Boulder Transportation Department

Boulder Social Streets

Summary

Like many cities worldwide, the City of Boulder closed downtown street segments to vehicles to increase outdoor community gathering space during the COVID-19 pandemic. Community members enjoyed the change, though businesses were negatively impacted.

Approach

The City hired Leadline after the reopening of West Pearl to manage a team of 20+ multi-departmental staff and consultants to develop recommendations that reimagine Boulder’s downtown streets. Leadline managed the consulting team of Gehl (urban planning) and Fox Tuttle (transportation), collaborated with Downtown Boulder Partnership, facilitated a City Council Subcommittee, and presented the recommendations to City Council in March 2023. 

Leadline’s ability to manage a large, technical team, resulted in positive feedback and clear direction from City Council that will be implemented in the Summer of 2023, transforming key downtown street segments into joyful community spaces. Learn more about the project on Boulder’s project page.